The Top 5 Favorite Tools of Top Technicians

The Top 5 Favorite Tools of Top Technicians

Chris Ringold, shop foreman
Flint Bottom Auto Sales
Burlington, IA

Mac Mentor – Generic OBD II and Repair Trac are invaluable.

ALLDATA – If Repair Trac doesn’t cover it, ALLDATA does.

MechanixWear Fast Fit Gloves – Great protection and workability!

Chilton Labor Guide and CD-ROM – Fast and effective for all estimates.

Mini Maglite – Always in my pocket when I need it – along with my freebie screwdriver.


Chuck Wurm
C.W. Auto & Truck Repair Inc.
Chicago, IL

OTC Ball Joint/U-Joint Press – One-man operation; easily removes pressed joints; and it beats pounding them out.

Auto-Darkening Helmet #67 – Best mask I have ever bought. No more welding flash!

MotorVac Smoke Machine – Great for those EVAP P codes that you can never find.

Ferret Light – I got real tired of buying drop cords, but with Ferret’s I haven’t bought another.

Tracerline – Great, inexpensive light for those tough leaks.


Arthur Margotta
AJ’s Automotive and Sport Vehicles
Thompson, PA

Sun 500 Diagnostic Analyzer – Used for all types of diagnosis.

Snap-on Sim-U-Tec Electronic Breakout Box – For tough fixes.

Snap-on Vantage – Great all-around diagnostic tool with great data.

Shop-Key – For all information needed for repairs and estimates to customers.

Snap-on Ratchet Wrenches – For those tight spots of bolt and nut removal.


Mark Allison, owner
Allison’s Automotive
Upland, CA

Stinger rechargeable flashlight – The best light I’ve owned. I use it all day long, every day!

Snap-on MT2500 scanner – Another tool I use on a daily basis.

Central Tools Brake Force Digital Caliper – Very quick for measuring brake rotors, and switches to metric or standard in a flash.

Raytek Raynger ST Infrared Thermometer – Great for checking catalytic converters.

Blue Point MT586BK Digital Multimeter – I use it for everything electrical.


Steve Kline
Tampa Corvette Service, Inc.
Lutz, FL

Craftsman 10 mm socket 1/4″ drive
Vetronix Tech2 Scan Tool

Doctor’s forceps (10″ and 24″) – swap meet variety

My 30-year-old Rockwell 1/2″ air impact wrench

My stubby Gearwrench set (SAE)

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